The moon was big and round that night. Xiang Shaolong and his beloved wife went to the garden to enjoy the moon. Jing Shan and others built a bonfire and barbecued delicious food, creating a picnic atmosphere.
Xiang Baoer has learned to walk, and because of his steady steps, every time he stumbles, everyone cheers and laughs, making it very lively.
Shan Lan, Teng Yi and Ai'er came to participate, and the two boys naturally had fun together.
Teng Yi and Xiang Shaolong sat in the small pavilion, watching their sons playing, feeling satisfied and happy in their hearts. At the same time, they thought that the comfort in front of them was obtained with their blood and sweat. It was like this before, and it will be like this in the future.
It will be so.
Teng Yi said with some emotion: "In two nights, it will be the decisive battle between you and Guan Zhongxie. That guy has not left home these days, let alone went to Zui Feng Tower. It can be seen that he is determined to win."
Xiang Shaolong thought of Han Jie and asked casually: "Second brother originally lived in South Korea and once joined the army. Have you ever heard of Han Jie?"
Teng Yi's eyes flashed, and he asked in surprise: "Why does the third brother know this person?"
Xiang Shaolong told what happened today, and Teng Yi said with a solemn expression: "In today's world, when it comes to swordsmanship, no one is ranked higher than Cao Qiudao, who is known as the Sword Master under Jixia. He calls himself Mr. Wangyou."
Grandmaster.
It is said that his swordsmanship has reached a state of perfection, and he can defeat soldiers without fighting. The main reason why Mr. Zou is here today is to meet him. Shanrou is his close disciple."
Xiang Shaolong had heard about this almost mythical figure from Zhao Zhizhi, and wondered: "What does this person have to do with Han Jie? Is Han Jie his disciple again? Then isn't Han Jie Rou's handsome brother?"
"
Teng Yi said: "Although Cao Qiudao opened a Taoist temple in Jixia, he was very strict in recruiting disciples, so there were no more than a hundred disciples. It is said that he once told the King of Qi that among the disciples he accepted, only three were able to learn from him.
One of them is Han Jie, and we know that this person is anything but simple."
Xiang Shaolong thought of his unpredictable sword that no one could defeat, and asked in shock: "How old is Cao Qiudao this year?"
Teng Yi said: "It is said that he is the best at cultivating qi, so he seems to be much younger than he is. When he became famous, I was just sensible. So from this inference, he should be at least sixty years old."
Xiang Shaolong thought of the world's best master in martial arts novels, and said leisurely and fascinated: "I really wish I could go and say hello to him, but Tian Dan won't welcome me."
Teng Yi laughed in surprise and said: "It seems that you are more interested in Cao Qiudao than Han Jie. However, Cao Qiudao does not seem to care much about the character of his apprentice. Han Jie is notorious in Korea and often kills people.
I am from a royal family, and I have ruined the honors of many good women, and I am the same as Miao Du. I came to Qin to seek refuge with Miao Du this time, maybe because I was desperate and had to leave the country to seek refuge."
Xiang Shaolong smiled and said: "The more bad and clever opponents there are, the less lonely my sword will be. Second brother, you should also feel itchy."
Teng Yi smiled and said: "If you don't kill Guan Zhongxie, these two people will have a fight first. Guan Zhongxie and Lian Jin's master Zhao Jianzhai once challenged Cao Qidao from Wei to Qi and had their tails chopped off.
It means that the two factions have become incompetent since then."
Xiang Shaolong laughed and said: "How can someone call it Zhaojianzhai? Are you trying to be mysterious?"
The voice of the talented concubine came and said: "With Zhai as the name, Zhao Jian Zhai is not the number one person. Sir, please do not take it lightly. When it comes to the name of the sword, Mr. Wangyou must be numbered next to him, otherwise he will not be able to teach anyone."
This apprentice is here."
Xiang Shaolong responded with a smile: "There is also a man named Lian Mosquito. He just came to Xianyang and it is clear that he is looking for cheats."
Ji Yanran came behind the two of them, leaned against the railing, looked up at the bright moon in the sky, and said softly: "Yanran's hands are really itchy. After marrying a husband like you, you have to take care of everything first. It's really unfair."
."
When Xiang Shaolong and Teng Yi looked at each other, Ji Yanran said calmly: "You can imagine that the night after tomorrow, there will be a head-on confrontation between the three major forces of Lu Buwei, Miao Du and our Lord Xiang. The people of Qin value courage. Who will send
Winning will definitely increase your reputation, at least for ordinary soldiers, this is indeed the case."
Teng Yi was moved in his heart and said: "Although it is unlikely, will Lu Buwei take the risk and simply set up a trap at the birthday banquet to annihilate all those who oppose him in one fell swoop? As long as Meng Ao can hold on to the military power and hold the prince and the queen mother hostage, there will be chaos.
One game, but not without a chance."
Xiang Shaolong frowned and thought for a while, then said: "Unless he gets the support of Wang Chi, Lu Buwei will never dare to make such a desperate move. Since Shang Yang's reform, no country's soldiers are more loyal to the royal family than the Qin army. As long as the imperial guards and the capital cavalry are ready,
, Lu Buwei will never dare to act rashly. But he is not afraid of ten thousand, just in case, I will study it with Lord Changping and Wang Chi tomorrow to ensure safety."
Ji Yanran said: "My husband, I will let us attend the day after tomorrow so that we can see how you can show off your power."
Xiang Shaolong smiled and said, "How dare you not take our talented girl Ji with you?"
Xuan sighed again: "I really want to visit Qi State. On the one hand, I can visit Sister Rou, and on the other hand, I can see how powerful the world's best sword is."
Teng Yi said: "Just think about it. If you leave Qin, you will not be able to hide it from Lu Buwei. He will even guess that you might be going to Qi to assassinate Tian Dan. By then, won't the Qi people set up a dragnet for you to go?"
Xiang Shaolong knew that he was not lying, so he smiled and shook his head.
Ji Yanran suddenly said: "Mrs. Qingxiu has come to Qin."
Xiang Shaolong couldn't remember who Mrs. Qingxiu was for a moment and looked at her in astonishment.
Teng Yi was even more confused and asked: "Who is Mrs. Qingxiu?"
Ji Yanran said: "Mrs. Qingxiu was the first wife of General Dou Jie of the Chu State. Because Dou Jie wanted the concubine of the general Cheng Suning, she left Dou Jie in a rage and vowed to marry Dou Jie as soon as he stepped into her secluded place.
Commit suicide, remember?"
Only then did Xiang Shaolong suddenly realize that she was Mrs. Huayang's beautiful niece. Back then, Mrs. Huayang had asked him to bring her accessories, but he had failed to fulfill her promise.
Teng Yi said: "What is she doing here?"
Ji Yanran said: "Of course she was sent here by Li Yanyan. She hoped that with her relationship with Mrs. Huayang, she could ease the Qin people's hatred of Chu because of the murder of Xu Xiang. She also wanted to welcome the little princess of Chu along the way."
Return to Chu Kingdom."
Teng Yi said: "Now and then, what influence does Mrs. Huayang have on Qin Ting?"
Ji Yanran glanced at Xiang Shaolong with a smile and said: "How can you not have influence? Don't forget that our Grand Tutor Qin is from Mrs. Huayang's line, and she can at least influence our Commander Xiang, Master Xiang. Qingxiu
Madam is currently staying at Sister Qing's house. Sister Qing just sent someone to invite her Master Xiang to come to her house tomorrow to meet Madam Qingxiu. My husband, you can't shirk it."
Xiang Shaolong said angrily: "Your sister Qing didn't tell her that I had tried my best. The prince would never use troops against Chu because of this matter."
Teng Yi smiled and said: "One is Mrs. Qin who talks about you, and the other is your Sister Qing. What on earth is going on?"
Xiang Shaolong and Fei Yanran looked at each other and laughed.
Before Ji Yanran left, she said with a slight sigh: "Ignore you guys, you are brave enough to disobey Sister Qing's orders."
The next day Xiang Shaolong attended the morning court.
Zhu Ji was still present, and there was nothing unusual about her. It could be seen that she was just pregnant, and with the robe covering up her pregnancy, she was not afraid of being seen through in recent months.
Hundreds of officials focused on discussing the various issues involved in revitalizing the Guo Canal, especially the mobilization of financial and human resources. Thousands of households were affected and had to be relocated.
Xiang Shaolong didn't know anything about this and was so dizzy after hearing it, let alone interrupting.
After finally surviving, Wang Chi and Wang Ling pulled Xiang Shaolong aside to talk when they left the court. The former said happily: "Fortunately, after the mourning period tomorrow, Shaolong can take Xiaojun to Lu Mansion to visit Doctor Lu. Details Discuss the betrothal gift and related details.”
Wang Ling said: "What a shocking coincidence. The funeral of Lu Gong just ended on the same day as Lu Buwei's birthday."
Xiang Shaolong also felt his hair stand on end.
Wang Chi said: "Mr. Changping told me that yesterday you saw people from Zhongfu's Mansion and Neishi Mansion fighting fiercely in the street, right?"
Xiang Shaolong nodded and said: "People on both sides treat us as if we are nothing. I really want to kill them."
Wang Ling said: "How can we get this position of commander of the capital guards back from us, but it won't be easy."
Wang Chi frowned and said, "We'll discuss this later. Has Shaolong's letter been sent?"
Xiang Shaolong said: "I sent someone to Chu State yesterday."
Wang Ling said: "Miao Du is currently recruiting troops and has sent people to recruit swordsmen all over the east. Because the Queen Mother is supporting him, we don't dare to speak up. Many of the words and deeds of this fake eunuch are more annoying than Lu Buwei. Recently, because he wanted to expand the Imperial Palace, he took over the neighboring land for himself, which made people angry."
Xiang Shaolong sighed: "Now that the Crown Prince needs the Queen Mother's support in everything, he has to endure it for a little longer."
At this time, he caught a glimpse of Li Si making Xiaopan's summons signal to him in the distance. After thanking the two of them, and mentioning Teng Yi's concerns about Lu Buwei being in trouble yesterday, he hurried to see Xiaopan.
In addition to Xiaopan, there was also Lord Changping in the room. After Xiang Shaolong and Li Shili sat down, Xiaopan said happily: "I will first let the three Qing family members meet someone."
Xiang Shaolong and the other three people were shocked.
Xiaopan passed the order, and after a while someone entered the room and came to Xiaopan's seat to salute.
When he stood up again, he saw that this man was about forty years old, with a long body and a thick goatee. He seemed to be a wise man and counselor.
Xiaopan said politely: "Sir, please sit down."
Everyone was at a loss. After Xiaopan introduced Xiang Shaolong and others, he explained: "This is Mr. Mao Jiao, a famous scholar in the state of Qi. Nai Miao Du sent people from Qi to invite him to Xianyang. As for why Mr. Mao is here, I would like to ask you, sir, to speak in person."
Mao Jiao smiled lightly and said: "Mao came to Qin today not because he wanted to be a despicable person, but because he wanted to see the power of Qin and how it could intimidate the east?"
Li Sida said with interest: "What do you think, sir?"
Mao Jiao said coldly: "Mao and the political prince talked for a long time, but they still only said one word. If Lu Buwei's poison is not eliminated for one day, the Qin family will never think of unifying the world."
Xiaopan smiled and said: "I originally wanted to ask you to serve in the imperial court, but after thinking about it, it would be more effective if you were willing to give in to Miao Du. It is rare that you agreed to it."
Xiang Shaolong exclaimed in his heart, Lu Buwei's house already had Tu Xian as an internal response, and now if Mao Jiao, who seemed to be more cunning and wise than Tu Xian, was employed as an undercover agent, would Miao Du still be able to fly out of his and Xiao Pan's hands?
At the same time, I saw that the small market was maturing day by day, and I began to know how to use my time.
Li Si and Chang Qianjun were immediately in awe.
After everyone carefully discussed the method of contact, Mao Jiao retreated.
Xiang Shaolong remembered Meng Wu and Meng Tian, and told their story, making it clear that they were only loyal to the prince.
Xiaopan had practiced martial arts with them when he was young and had quite a friendship with them. Now that Xiang Shaolong recommended him, that would be a problem, but after thinking for a long time, he couldn't find a position suitable for them.
Xiang Shaolong had an idea and said: "If I can kill Guan Zhongxie tomorrow night, the commander of the capital guard will be vacant. No matter who we propose, it seems that Lu Buwei is unwilling to accept it, and even Miao Du does not want to accept it."
The three major factions of the city army are all under our control. Only by choosing one of them from Meng Wu and Meng Tian will there be no opposition, and the other one can fight with Dad. Then any troubles will not be hidden from us.
"
This time it was Xiaopan's turn to express his admiration and said to Lord Changping: "The Prime Minister Zuo tried to arrange for these two boys to come to see me, and encourage me well to reassure them."
After Xiang Shaolong left the palace, he remembered what happened to Mrs. Qingxiu and hurried to Qin Mansion.
Qin Qingzheng and Mrs. Qingxiu were chatting in the hall. When they saw him coming as summoned, they happily introduced them to each other.
The delicate lady was wearing the Chu-style robe that Xiang Shaolong admired most. It was a wide robe with big sleeves and gorgeous patterns. The most eye-catching thing was the wide waistband studded with gems. It was sparkling and indescribably arousing people's imagination.
I don’t know if Xiang Shaolong arrived suddenly, but the delicate lady did not put on the gauze covering her face, and Xiang Shaolong finally saw her beautiful face.
Perhaps due to her unsatisfactory marriage, her appearance was a bit unhealthy and bland, but it did not damage her beautiful temperament at all, but made her appearance a little different from others.
Her eyes are calm and clear, making people feel that she is a solemn and self-controlled woman who abides by etiquette.
After the three of them were seated, Mrs. Qingxiu said a few polite opening remarks in her sweet and soft voice, and then said with emotion: "Taifu Qin told me the current situation. Fortunately, Mrs. Xiang is here for us as the crown prince."
I spoke of Xiang in front of you so that Qin and Chu could avoid war. I would like to express my gratitude to Lord Xiang on behalf of our country for his kindness and kindness."
Xiang Shaolong murmured in his heart, if that's the case, why do you still need me to come to see you? Of course he looks humble on the surface.
Mrs. Qingxiu said calmly: "In fact, we have met before, right?"
Xiang Shaolong secretly thought that this matter was extremely secret. Could Li Yanyan or Li Yuan have leaked it to her? He was surprised and said: "Why would Madam say this?"
Mrs. Qingxiu still had that calm and calm demeanor and said: "I'm going to invite Mr. Xiang to come and see me today. Of course I want to thank you personally, and I also want to take the Queen Mother and Mrs. Xiu'er with me."
I gave the two gifts to you. I heard Master Qin say that Master Xiang just came back from Shouchun not long ago. Now that I see you, I can recognize you."
Xiang Shaolong felt quite embarrassed and secretly looked at Qin Qing. Fortunately, she just rolled her eyes at him and didn't really blame him for being merciful. She put her mind at ease and said, "Since Madam recognized me, how could Mr. Xiang deny it?
Madam Hey's eyesight is so great, she seemed to have recognized me, Xiang Shaolong, without even looking at me."
Mrs. Qingxiu showed a touching but cold smile, stretched out her hand to summon the maid, held out two brocade boxes, and said: "Before I left for my journey, the Queen Mother summoned me into the palace, and she gave her many instructions not to be known to anyone.
I hope Lord Xiang can understand this matter."
Due to Li Yanyan and Guo Xiuer's status, they could only hide their feelings deep in their hearts, which was really depressing. Suddenly, he noticed that the two women in front of him were carefully observing their reactions and expressions, and he quickly changed the subject: "
How is Li Xiangguo’s current situation?”
Mrs. Qingxiu seemed unwilling to talk about Li Yuan, and wrote lightly: "It's still a TOEFL. Mr. Li would like to ask Mr. Xiang to visit him in Shouchun if he has space. I will treat him wholeheartedly."
Xiang Shaolong couldn't find anything to say to this beautiful woman who seemed to be indifferent to everything and had a cold tone. He retreated and said, "When will Madam plan to return to Chu?"
Mrs. Qingxiu said: "I met Queen Mother Ji tonight and will leave immediately to return to Chu tomorrow. I am not used to the weather here. And I know that Mr. Xiang is busy with things, so I don't dare to keep Mr. Xiang anymore."
Xiang Shaolong secretly thought to himself, beauty, that you really know what happy cooperation means, and after secretly giving Qin Qing a wink, he left.